soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

transitive verb

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: relieve, alleviate

soothe a cough

3

: to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to

music soothes the soul

intransitive verb

: to bring peace, composure, or quietude

soother noun

Synonyms of soothe

• reassure
• assure
• comfort

Examples of soothe in a Sentence

The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.

This cream soothes aching muscles.

Her nerves were soothed by a warm bath.

Nothing can soothe their pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, we’re simply asked to follow Nanning’s fairytale-like quest, searching for butter, honey, and white bread to soothe Hille on an island where such rations have been all but depleted by war. —David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026

Part of the Nordic ESS Group collection of hotels, Rox meshes soothing Scandinavian minimalism with a welcome moodiness. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Supplements made with arnica have excellent reputations for relieving arthritis pain, soothing sore muscles and accelerating healing for bruises and sprains. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

So, thank you to all the friction-soothing employees whom customers never notice. —Robert Niles, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sothen to verify, from Old English sōthian, from sōth

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for soothe

• smooth

Kids Definition

soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: alleviate, relieve

the lotion soothed his sunburn

3

: to bring comfort : calm down

music soothes the soul